BOS to appeal state court ruling on Roseland property

By Mike Berger

Selectmen announced Tuesday night that they will vigorously appeal a recent state court ruling that upheld the application of New Jersey-based Roseland Property Company to develop a large parcel of land near the Canton-Randolph border and build more than 200 housing units under Chapter 40B, the state’s affordable housing law.

In 2008, the state Supreme Judicial Court had ruled against the Zoning Board of Appeals, arguing that when Canton had originally rejected Roseland’s application in 2003 its percentage of affordable housing was below the state’s 10 percent threshold. Canton then appealed the decision to the state Appeals Court, which ruled again in favor of Roseland on March 19.

The Appeals Court also disagreed with the town’s assertion that the project would have significant traffic and public safety impacts.

In making its appeal, however, Canton argued that it had, in fact, exceeded the 10 percent threshold by virtue of its having approved permits for two other projects — Pequit View and Pequit Village — that together accounted for 180 affordable units, bringing the town’s total affordable housing stock to 12.6 percent.

Speaking on behalf of selectmen, Selectman Victor Del Vecchio said, “We voted to appeal this decision and will continue to take the necessary legal action in support of the town objections to this project.” He added that the court did not understand the full ramifications of the project to the town.

The property in Canton abuts another former Roseland property, the site of the recently-completed Avalon Blue Hills development, which is just over the town line in Randolph. Roseland cannot begin construction until the Canton appeal has been heard and acted upon.

In other news:

• Town Administrator Bill Friel announced that the town expects approval from the state on the Board of Assessors’ revaluation program in the next week to ten days. Once the approval is given, Friel expects tax bills reflecting the new assessments to be mailed out in the next week.

• Selectmen enthusiastically endorsed a new two-sided electronic message board to be built at the Canton Public Library. The expected cost of $43,000 to $45,000 would be shared by selectmen and the library board of trustees. Selectmen see a definite need for a visible communications tool for local government and emergency messages and applauded the design plan presented by Buddy Fallon, superintendent of buildings and grounds.The plan must still be approved by the Zoning Board.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established a regional center in Quincy for federal flood aid for residents and business owners. Those interested should call first at 800-621-3362.

• Selectmen and the town’s Water/Sewer Rate and Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on proposed new water and sewer rates on May 25.

• The town will dedicate the new water treatment facility on Pecunit Street to the late Jim Moran, who served on the School Committee, Capital Outlay Committee, Water/Sewer Rate and Policy Committee, and other town boards. The ceremony will be held Saturday, May 22, at 11 a.m.

• Selectman John Connolly announced that the billboard on Shawmut Road has been completed and strict design standards were established by the zoning board. Connolly said the billboard would have been built anyway and that the town beat the MBTA to the punch and will now be able to take in revenue from the billboard company. The sign can be seen on Rte. 95 but is positioned at tree level. The pole is not visible from the highway.

• The town is asking interested landscapers, residents, and civic groups to participate in the “Adopt-A-Downtown” program and take care of a section of the downtown. In return, the group or individual would receive a sign or advertising in the area that is cared for.

• The Canton Little League Parade will be held Saturday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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